1963: Profumo resigns in sex scandal
British Secretary of War John Profumo resigns his post following revelations that he had lied to the
House of Commons about his sexual affair with 19-year-old call girl
Christine Keeler. Keeler was known to have also been involved with Eugene Ivanov, a Soviet naval attaché and suspected spy. Profumo’s deceit had been exposed by Dr.
Stephen Ward, a London osteopath who had hosted parties where Profumo and Keeler had engaged in sexual acts. Although Profumo assured the public that he had not compromised national security in any way, the scandal threatened to topple Prime Minister Harold Macmillan’s government. In October, under pressure from his own party, Macmillan resigned.
2006
Serbia declares its independence.2004
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan dies aged 93.1989
In
Poland, in the first free elections since the end of the
Second World War, Solidarity, the anti-communist party comprehensively defeats the communist party in the seats which it is allowed to contest.
1989
In
China, a solitary protester, known as the “Unknown Rebel,” halts the progress of a
column of advancing tanks towards
Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
1967
The start of the Six Day War between
Israel and its Arab neighbours.
1956
In America, Elvis Presley introduces his new single, “Hound Dog,” on The Milton Berle Show. Elvis scandalised the audience with his suggestive hip gyrations as he sang the song. 1945
The Second World War: The Allied Control Council, the new governing authority in
Germany, signs a declaration formally ending
German power in the country.
1944
The Second World War: More than 1,000 British bombers drop 5,000 tons of bombs on German gun batteries placed at the Normandy assault area, while 3,000 Allied ships cross the English Channel in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.1916
The First World War: Britain’s Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, drowns when HMS Hampshire hits a mine off the Orkney Islands during a storm.1864
American Civil War: Union forces defeat a Confederate army at the Battle of Piedmont in Virginia.1849
Denmark becomes a constitutional monarchy.1305
Clement V is elected Pope. 1944
British boxer Chris Finnegan. Olympic middleweight champion in Mexico, 1968. Holder of the British, Commonwealth and European Light-Heavyweight titles in 1972.1920
American writer and historian Cornelius Ryan.1915
Lancelot Ware - founder of MENSA.1993
Country and Western singer Conway Twitty aged 59.1976
American oil billionaire John Paul Getty.1916
British General Lord Kitchener drowns when HMS Hampshire hits a mine off the Orkney Islands during a storm and sinks en route to Russia.1625
English composer Orlando Gibbons.
